Clutch control mechanism



1924. Aus 26 H. E. ANneRsoN CLQTCH cNTRQL mBcHANIsm Filed Auf'?, 1922 2 Shllml$ 1 ug. 26 w24 H. E. ANDERSON CLUTCH CONTROL MECHNI'SM 2 Shawmut 2 Patented Aug. 261, i924.

UNITED STATESv v'1,506,607 PATENT oFF-ice.

HARLEY E. ANDERSON, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ,Ass'IGNoR or ONE-THIRD To WILLIAMA L. KELLOGG, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND ONE-THIRD To WILLIAM H. MINEB, or

CHAZY, NEW YORK.

CLUTCH CONTROL MECHANISM.

Application mea August 7, 1922". serial No. 579,975'.

To tZZ whom it may' concern Be it known that I, HARLEY E. ANDERSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Clutch Control Mechanisms, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvementsv inr clutch control mechanisms.4

In one of the most popular types of automobiles a clutch control lever is employed which may assume any one of three positions, viz: a neutral position wherein the clutch of the vehicle is disengaged, a forward position wherein the low speed gearing is made ettective, and a rearward position wherein the high speed gearing is made effective. This Control lever or foot pedal is always under the influence of a spring" so arranged that the lever will, unless otherwise prevented, automatically move to its high speed position.

Much diliiculty has been experienced in the operation of said control lever or pedal and numerous accidents have arisen in the case of inexperienced operators due to the diflculfty of maintaining said lever or pedal in its neutral position or in properly gauging' the neutral position of said lever or pedal necessary during the starting of the engine and under other conditions of operation.

@ne of the objects of my invention is to provide a very simple and economical arrangement which will coact with such a speed control lever or pedal as above referred to and by means of which the neutral or intermediate position of the lever will be automatically determined and the lever or pedal so held under those conditions found necessary in the operation of the transmission system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the character indicated which will positively insure operation of the control lever or pedal always in the intended manner, that is, will require that the control lever be moved first from the neutral position to the low speed position before' it can be moved to high speed position.

A specific object of the invention is to provide an arrangement of the character indi-` cated consisti'i'ig of a minimum number ofparts, all of lsubstantial construction and wherein is includedI but a singles'priiig controlled element to thereby decrease possibility of failure andwhe'rein also no additional devices are employed, requiring the attention of the operator.

Other specilic objects of the invention are' to provide an arrangement of the character indicated, which may be applied to automobiles now in use without any cl'iangel and lin' a very few minutes', without possibili-ty of interfering with any other mechanism on the' automobile; and to provide amechanism wherein the spring employed with the single detent in no wise interferes with or opposes th'e normal operation of the control lever or pedal.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly appear from the description and' claims appearing hereinafter.

In the' drawings forming a part of this specification, Figure l is asectional elevational view of a portion of an automobile superstructure referred to, showing my iinprovements inv connection therewith, the position of the control lever or pedal being its intermediate or neutral one. Figure 2 is a vertical part sectional view part elevaltion'a'l view of the structure il'liistrated in Figure' 1 and corresponding to the section line 2 2 thereof but with the floor boards and other parte of they automobile omitted. Figures 3 and 4t are views similar' to Figure l illustrating the .forward or low speed position of the control pedal and. associated parts, and high speed position ofthe' control lever and associated parts, respectively. In Figures 3 and 4, the improved attachment is shown partly in vertical section". And Fig ure 5 is a horizontal sectional view corresponding to the line 5-5 of Figure l.

In said drawings, l0 vdenotes the floor board of the automobile, l1 the inclined foot board through which the control pedal or lever A is extended, and l2I one side member of the chassis to which my' improved attachments are adapted to be secured. As' customary, the control `pedal A is secured to a shaft 13 running to the transmission gearing, it being understood that said shaft is' under spring tension always tending to throw the pedal A to the' high speed posi'- tion shown in Fi re 4. The present 4practice' is' to make-the pedal Aextend. vertically as indicated at 14 where it passes through the slot 15 of the foot board and is then extended laterally inwardly toward the engine as indicated at 16 in Figure 2. Said pedal is provided with the usual toe-piece 17 upon which the operator places his, foot in manipulating the pedal.

The improved attachments, as shown, consist broadly of a base casting or housing B; a spring-controlled pivoted detent or dog C; a slide plate D; an auxiliary lever E; and a yoke F.

The housing or base casting B, as shown, is formed with a horizontally extendingboti tom flange 18, by which it is adapted to be secured to the upper flange of the chassis side member 12 by two rivets or other suitable fastening means 19-19. From the bottom flange 18 of the housing B, is extended upwardly a web 2O of generally trian ;ularl form' in side elevation as viewed in Figure 1, saidlweb 2O extending approximately vertically'for a short distance and then curved outwardly or toward the left, as viewed in Figure 2, as indicated at 20u. At the apex or top of the web 20, a boss 21 is formed to receive a pivot-forming rivet or stud 22. The web 2O is suitably reinforced by three or more ribs 23-23. The bottom flange 18 is extended inwardly toward the engine beyond the flange of the chassis member 12, as indicated at 18a and a guide rib 18b is formed on the under side thereof to abut against the edge of the channel flange and thereby assist in centering and maintaining the housing B in proper position. The flange section 18a is made arcuate as best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the center thereof corresponding to thecenter or axis of the pivot-forming rivet 22. An upwardly extended flange section 18c is provided and overhanging arcuate lips ,181--18d are employed so as to provide a guide channel or groove 24 for the slide plateI D, as best shown in Figure 2.

vIn the plane ofthe channel guide 24, the housing B is formed with an offset supple mental housing B, as clearly shown in Figures v3 and 4 and in which is disposed the spring-controlled detent or dog C. The latter is pivotally supported on a rivet or other suitable element 25 and is normally spring-- pressed upwardly by a coil spring 26 which is seated at its lower end on the bottom wall of the supplemental housing B', the upper end of the spring 26 bearing on the under side of the shouldered free end 27 of the de tent. The web section 18a is apertured as indicated at 18e to permit the shouldered free end of the detent C to project therethrough and into the path of the slide plate D and auxiliary lever E, for the purpose hereinafterdescribed. It will be noted from an inspection, of Figure 4, that the upperI face 28 of the detent slopes from the free end toward the pivot 25, that is, it is inclined with respect to the path of movement of the plate D so that it maybe readily cammed downwardly when the plate D moves from its position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 3.

The plate D, as clearly shown in Figure 2, is of channel cross section having a bottom web 29 and upstanding side fianges 30-30,

the latter being positioned beneath the overj hanging flanges 18d, so that the slide plate D cannot come out from the guide channel 24 except at the end of the guide channel. At a point a comparatively short distance from the lefthand end of the plate D, as viewed in Figures 3 and 4, the plate is provided with a transverse fiange 31 extending radially with respect to the pivotal axis of the auxiliary lever E, said flange 31 providing a shoulder against which the squared free end 32 of the lever E is adapted to bear in one direction of movement. From the flange shoulder 31, for a distance approximating a little more than a third of the length ofthe plate D, the bottom web 29 of the plate is omitted, thus permitting the detent C to pro-- ject therewithin as shown in Figure 4. The web 29, at the other end of said opening, provides a shoulder 33 adapted to abut against the free end of the detent C under the conditions shown in Figure 4. Still nearer the righthand end of the plate D, as viewed in Figure 4, a second transverse flange 34 is formed on the plate D, said flange providing a shoulder cooperable with said squared end 32 of the auxiliary lever E, under certain conditions.

The lever E isl extended upwardly beyond its pivotal support 22, as indicated at E, this part of the lever being comparatively short and providing a journal bearing 35 for a ournal 36 formed integrally with the yoke F. The latter is of U-shape as shown in Figure 5, so as to adapt it to straddle and slide freely with respect to the vertical sec-A tion 14 of the pedal A. The latter being slightly tapered, the recess 37 of the yoke F is correspondingly slightly tapered so as to prevent binding of the parts as relative movement between them occurs.

As clearly appears from an inspection of Figures 1, B and 4, the pivotal axis of the auxiliary lever E is disposed above and slightly forward of the pivotal axis of the pedal A with the result that movement of the pedal A. through relatively small arcs, will induce movement of the squared end 32 through a relatively large arc, or in other words, obtaining a multiplied leverage effect so far as movement is concerned. It

will also be noted from an inspection of transverse-ly ot the automobile, inasmuch as the lower end thereoic works within the channel guide 24.

The operation of the mechanism is as follows, assuming that the pedal A is initially in its intermediate or neutral position as shown in Figure l. While in this position, it is evident that the pedal A. cannot move in a clockwise direction, inasmuch as it is restrained from so doing through the intermediary of the yoke F, auxiliary lever E and detent C with which the lever E is in shouldered engagement. The only movement ot the pedal A, therefore, is in a countercloclwise direction, that is to the low speed position of the transmission as shown in Figure 3, As the pedal A is moved to its low speed position, the auxiliary lever E engages the shoulder 34 of the plate D and moves the latter to the position shown in Figure 3. During this movement ot' the plate D, it is obvious that the yplate will cam down the detent C against the resistance otl the spring 26 so that said detent will be in a position tlush with or below the bottom of the channel guide 24. Upon the operator removing his it'oot trom the pedal A to allow the pedal to shift to high speed position shown in Figure 4, the auxiliary lever E will be moved in a clockwise direction and during its initial movement, the plate D remains stationary while the free end 32 of the lever is moved from the shoulder 34 over to the shoulder 3l. When the end 32 of the lever F. engages the shoulder 3l, the plate D will then be shifted in a clockwise direction and the end 32 ot the lever E will pass over the detent D, it being observed that a slight clearance is left between the end ot the lever E and the bottom of the channel guide 24. This movement continues until the shoulder 33 oit the plate D engages with the now upwardly projected detent C, as shown in Figure 4, in which the high speed position of the pedal is determined. To restore the pedal to neutral position, it is pressed down, thus causing the auxiliary lever E to swing in a counter-clockwise direction, during which the free end of the lever E will slide over the detent C and cannot thereafter swing bachwardly in a clockwise direction. From the preceding description, it will be noted that there` is a delayed action of the plate D with respect to any reversal in the movement ot the lever E so that, should the operator only partially press the pedal down toward low speed position and then change his mind or it the operator should partially release the pedal from low speed position shown in Figure 3 and then change his mind, the mechanism is not thereby changed and will still function as intended. Stated in another manner, there must be a full reversal or shift of the position of the pedal at all times from any one ot its three positions to induce a change of condition in the detent mechanism, which is of extreme importance in the operation oi' the automobile since it automatically provides for the slight shitting' ot the pedal bound to occur in actual operation.

I have herein shown and described what l now consider the preferred manner ot carrying out the invention, but l am aware that many changes may be made in the details of construction and the aiangcment of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention and all such variations are contemplated as come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

l claim:

l. In a device ot' the character described, the combination with a speed control lever movable to two different operative positions and an intermediate neutral position; ot a spring controlled detent Yfor checlaing movement ot the control l ver when the latter arrives at the neutral position; a movable holding element directly engaging said detent for retaining it in inoperative position; and means carried by and movable in unison with said control lever tor positively moving said holding element into the latch retaining position during movement of the lever to one ot its operative positions, to thereby permit tree movement of the latter to the other of its two operative positions.

2. ln a device oi the character described, the combination with a speed control lever movable to two ditierent operative positions and an intermediate neutral position; oi means for checking movement of the control lever when the latter arrives at the neu-- tral position; a movable slide co-opcrating with said checking' means; and a lost motion connection between said control lever and slide for effecting movement of the slide with the control lever in its movements to one of its operative positions to render said checking means inoperative to thereby permit movement ot' the control lever to the other ot its two operative positions.

3. ln a device ot' the character described, the combination with a speed control pedal movable to two different operative positions and an intermediate neutral position; ot an auxiliary lever actuated by and movable in unison with said pedal; a spring-controlled detent adapted to cooperate with said auxiliary lever to stop the latter and the pedal in neutral position; and a slide operated by said auxiliary lever to render said detent inoperative when said pedal moved from neutral position to one ot its operative positions and to thereby permit movement of the pedal to the other of its operative positions.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination with a speed control pedal having lowspeed, high speed, and intermellt) diate neutral positions; oii means for checking movement of said pedal when the latter arrives at neutral position; and a normally stationary slide relative to rwhich said pedal is movable, said slide being operated by and n'iovable with the pedal in movement of thek latter from neutral to low speed position to render said checking means inoperative and thereby permit movement ci the pedal to high speed position.

ln a device or" the character described, the combination with a speed control pedal having low speed. high speed, and intermediate neutral positions; of means, including a single spring-controlled detent, for check ing movement oi" said pedal when the latter arrives at neutral position; and a slide having loose connection with said pedal, said .slide being operated by and movable With the pedal in its movements 'from neutral to low speed position to render said detent inoperative to thereby permit movement of the pedal to high speed position.

6. @in a device of the character described, the combination with speed control lever having tivo different operative positions and an intermediate neutral position; oi means for checking movement of said lever when the latter arrives at neutral position; and means, including a limited lost motion arrangement, operative upon full movement of the control lever to one of its operative positions for rendering said checking means inoperative and thereby permitting movement of the control lever to its other opera-- tive position.

7. In a device of the characte described, the combination with a speed control pedal for automobile transmission having lovv speed, high speed and neutral positions; of means for checking` movement of said pedal when the latter arrives at neutral position; and means, including a limited lost motion arrangement, operative upon full'movement of said pedal to its lovv speed position for rendering said checking means inoperative and to thereby permit movement of the pedal to its high speed position.

8. ln a device of the character described, the combination with a speed `control lever having tvvo different operative positions and an intermediate neutral position; of a detent; means for rendering said detent inoperative when said lever is actuated in one direction; and means, interposed between said first named means and said lever and including alimited lost motion arrangement, for actuating said lirst named means in either direction. n

9. ln a device of the character described, the combination ,vitha pivoted speed control pedal having lovv speed, high speed and intermediate neutral positions and normally influenced to high speed position; of means for checking movement of said pedal at neutral position, said means including, a retaining member adapted to be secured to a fixed support adjacent the pedal, a spring-influenced detent mounted on said retaining member, a plate slidable over said detent, and a pivoted auxiliary levervoperatively connected at one of its ends to said pedal, the other end of said lever cooperating with said plate to move it back and forth in accordance With movements of the pedal, said auxiliary lever engaging said detent when the pedal is moved in a direction from high speed to neutral position.

l0. In a device of the character described,A the combination with pivoted speed con- L trol pedal having low speed, high speed and intermediate neutral positions and normally influenced to high speed position; of means for checking movement of said pedal at neutral position, said lmeans including, a re taining member adapted tobe secured to a iXed support adjacent the pedal, a springinfluenced detent mounted ongsaid retaining member, a plate slidable over said detent, and a pivoted` auxiliary lever operatively connected at one of its ends to said pedal, the other end of said lever cooperating With said plate to move it back and forth in accordance with movements of the pedal, Asaid auxiliary lever engaging said detent When the pedal is moved in a direction Jfrom high speed to neutral position, said auxiliary lever having a limited amount of lost motion With respect to said plate.

In Witness that l claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 8th day of Julv, 1922.

HARLEY E. ANDERSON. Witness:

Uva` C. Glasser. 

